In a world where most accumulate, he decided to let go. Yvon Chouinardfounder of the brand Patagoniasurprised the world when he announced that he was donating 100% of his company to protect the environment. It was not a symbolic gesture, but a declaration of principles: money was not their goal, but nature.
Today, at 86 years old, Chouinard is much more than a businessman. He was a climber, surfer, kayaker, falconer and writer, and dedicated his life to demonstrating that business and caring for the planet can coexist. From that young man who climbed walls in Yosemite to one of the most admired men in global environmentalism, his story is that of someone who changed capitalism from within.
Yvon Chouinard’s career as a climber
In the 1960s, Ivon Chouinard He stood out as a climber. He was one of the pioneers of the activity in the Yosemite Valley, also in California. He is considered one of the main climbers of the «Golden era of climbing in Yosemite», which made him one of the protagonists of the film filmed about this time: Valley Uprising.
Yvon Chouinard founded the company Patagonia, which is known for its environmental focus. In 1964 he was on the first ascent of the North America Wall and did not use any fixed rope. The following year he repeated the feat in the Muir Wall, in El Capitan. By this method, Ivon Chouinard He became the best defender of that style, the basis of modern rock climbing.
At that moment, with his free style, He lived in his car and ate cans of cat food. which he bought for five cents each.
How the Patagonia brand was born
Yvon, At the age of 14, he began his activity as a climber and a member of the Southern California Falconry Club. From that moment on, his desire to specialize in clothing making and accessories for outdoor activities.
Finally in 197320 years later Patagonia was founded. The brand is valued at around $3 billion. and obtains about 100 million annual profits. However, the businessman always prioritized his commitment to the environment and His life has nothing of luxury.
Even today, being a billionaire, dresses in old and used clothesdrives a beat-up Subaru car and divides his time between his modest residences in Ventura and Jackson, Wyoming.
Yvon Chouinard is an American climber, environmentalist, and billionaire businessman.According to The New York Times, the trust will preserve the company’s independence and will ensure all profits are used to combat climate change and to protect undeveloped lands around the planet.
Along these lines, he wrote a book: “Let my people go surfing”. Throughout its pages he reveals his idea of work and commitment to the planet.
